Photo by Gary Raynaldo / Diplomatic Times /   Vintage American automobile cruises along  famous sea-side Malecón Drive in Havana, Cuba-the scene of deadly automobile collision with pedestrians May 19, 2019. 

DIPLOMATIC TIMES STAFF

At least five persons were killed in an automobile accident Sunday on the world famous sea-side Malecón Drive in Havana, Cuba.  A 33-year old man driving the car that killed five people along Havana’s seaside walkway was under the influence of alcohol and speeding, Cuban authorities said Tuesday.   According to news reports, five people have died and 18 remain injured, including two Americans who arrived by air ambulance in Fort Lauderdale Monday night and are awaiting surgery at South Florida hospitals.  The American classic car, a 1952 Mercury, was driving in the middle lane along Malecon Avenue when it went onto the sidewalk and hit more than 20 people before crashing into the famous seawall, said Lt. Col. Jesus Aguilar, head of traffic for the criminal operations division.  In the 1950’s, American cars flooded the streets of Cuba’s capital city Havana as the country enjoyed new-found prosperity. Many of the old American autos have been kept running in mint condition by Cuban ingenuity using odd parts and pieces including Russian diesel truck engines. There are an estimated 60,000 classic American cars in Cuba. About half of the cars originate from the 1950s, while 25 percent are from the 1940s and another 25 percent are from the 1930s.  The Havana seaside Malecón drive is a popular hang out for young Cubans and a must see for tourists. The drive is crowded with people after dark taking in the beautiful view of the majestic seafront.